southern right whale

mammal

Also known as: Eubalaena australis

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July 23, 2026

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The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) is a species of baleen whale found in the Southern Hemisphere. These whales are part of the Balaenidae family, characterized by stout bodies and very large heads that make up a significant portion of their total length. Historically, right whales were hunted extensively for their oil and baleen, leading to severe population declines.12

Southern right whales are estimated to reach lengths of about 18 meters (59 feet) and primarily feed on small crustaceans like copepods and pteropods. While two species of right whales, the bowhead and southern right whale, have populations in the thousands, the northern right whales are critically endangered. Conservation efforts have been in place since 1946, with international agreements protecting them.2

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right whale
…Hemisphere, referred to as the southern right whale. Whether found in northern or southern latitudes, these right whales are estimated to reach a maximum length of about 18 metres (59 feet). They may or may not have white on the underside, and they resemble the bowhead in form but have…
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…Hemisphere, referred to as the southern right whale. Whether found in northern or southern latitudes, these right whales are estimated to reach a maximum length of about 18 metres (59 feet). They may or may not have white on the underside, and they resemble the bowhead in form but have…
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conservation
Whaling
The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), for example, is often seen in shallow, sheltered bays in South Africa and elsewhere. Such behaviour would make any large supply of raw materials a most tempting target. Whalers had nearly exterminated the North Atlantic species of the northern right…
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The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis), for example, is often seen in shallow, sheltered bays in South Africa and elsewhere. Such behaviour would make any large supply of raw materials a most tempting target. Whalers had nearly exterminated the North Atlantic species of the northern right…
Read More